December 24, 2020

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Hunting and Trapping

2016 Hunting & Trapping Seasons

Please note that the online versions of the 2016 Hunting and Trapping Guide and 2016-2017 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide contain several recent updates to REGULATIONS that are not included in the printed versions of these guides. Please consult the website before heading out into the field this fall.

Corrections to the printed version of the 2016 Connecticut Hunting & Trapping Guide:

Aldo Leopold Wildlife Management Area in Southbury: Muzzleloader deer hunting is permitted (see Public Hunting Area table on page 40).
MDC Barskhamsted Reservoir - Barkhamsted East Block, Sweetheart Mountain, and Hartland East Block: Fall archery deer and turkey hunting are NOT permitted (see Public Hunting Area table on page 41).
Centennial Watershed State Forest - Shelton Parcel (formerly Bridgeport Hydraulic): Small game, waterfowl, and archery turkey hunting are NOT permitted. Only archery deer hunting is allowed at this area. (see Public Hunting Area table on page 40).
Naugatuck State Forest: Open to pheasant hunting (see page 40).
Meriden Rod and Gun Club: Open to pheasant hunting with a daily permit (see page 41).
Seymour Fish and Game Club: Open to pheasant hunting with a daily permit (see page 41).

NEW! Sign up to receive Wildlife Highlights, a free electronic newsletter for anyone interested in Connecticut's wildlife and the outdoors! Delivery of this online newsletter will begin in October 2016.

2016 CT Duck Stamp NEW! Legislation that became effective on July 1, 2016 established the Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp (which replaces the Pheasant Stamp and turkey permits) and made changes to the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. The Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp is required to hunt any resident game birds in Connecticut, including pheasants, ruffed grouse, partridge, quail, AND wild turkey. The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp is required for anyone hunting waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows. These new changes are not in the printed version of the 2016 Hunting & Trapping Guide.

NEW! 2015 Connecticut Deer Program Summary: A summary of white-tailed deer information for 2015, including changes in deer management regulations, harvest statistics, research activities, and population dynamics of Connecticuts deer population. (PDF, 31 pages)

NEW! 2016 Junior Pheasant Hunt Events
Saturday, October 8, is the designated Junior Hunter Training Day for pheasants on state and private land. Several special hunting events are being held for junior hunters on October 8 and other days during the hunting season. Visit the Junior Hunter webpage for more information.

Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Days at the Wildlife Division's Franklin and Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Areas were a huge success. Thank you to all who attended and also participated in these fun, free events to celebrate hunting and fishing and also the 150th Anniversary of the DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources. Stay tuned for next year!